Pages

Friday, February 27, 2009

After two and a half years of negotiations with "stakeholder groups," numerous public hearings and dozens of amendments, members of the environmental committees in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly yesterday afternoon unanimously released two identical bills creating a Licensed Site Professionals (LSP) program within the Department of Environmental Protection.

The bills are now in position for floor votes in both houses. Governor Corzine would like to have them delivered to his desk for his signature before the Legislature recesses for the summer.

Despite a backlog of 20,000 sites and no prospects for funding to increase staffing at the DEP, the state's major environmental groups continued their inexplicable, all-out opposition to the legislation at yesterday's hearing.

The bill sponsors, committee members (gathered in a rare joint meeting) and representatives of various industry groups that have been active in the negotiations process, all saluted the work of Assistant DEP Commissioner Irene Kropp who oversees the Department's site remediation program.

Kropp responded to enviro-critics who have been spreading misinformation about the bills by pointing out that the legislation:

Does not lower any cleanup standards and, in fact, strengthens DEP's enforcement capabilities

Does not privitize, does not deregulate and does not eliminate DEP enforcement or limit the Department's review to 10 percent of all cleanup project submittals

Insures DEP review of all documents (not done today)

Provides for the toughest requirements at "recalcitrant" sites (those where responsible parties try to evade or postpone cleanup)

Reinforces and strengthens the 'polluter pays' concept

Holds licensed site professionals (LSPs) to a higher standard of performance, makes them accountable for their work, requires their licensure, and provides significant penalties, including criminal prosecution, against any LSP who violates cleanup rules and law

A number of readers have appended interesting comments on the LSP issue to our most recent post on the subject at NJ Licensed Site Professional bill's encore. If you'd like to add your two-cents worth, we suggest that you comment at that post so all reaction can be found at one location. If you're the type who prefers to color outside the lines, feel free to add your opinion to this post by clicking on the 'comment' line below.

Asbestos insulation Notice sent today by the U.S. EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Agency answers call to move...

Repost.Us

What is EnviroPolitics Blog?

You're reading the free companion blog to our paid-subscription newsletter, EnviroPolitics, which delivers top environmental, energy and political news--every business day--plus environmental legislation and regulations!FREE for 30-days!

Who writes this?

More about EnviroPolitics Blog

Serious about energy and environment news and issues?

Try our daily newsletter for a full month FREE without obligation!

Put yourself in the best company Try our daily EnviroPolitics newsletter - FREE for 30 days!

EnviroPolitics counts among its subscribers many of the region's top environmental law, engineering and consulting firms. We're also read by key legislators, regulators and county and municipal officials who shape environmental and energy policies.

Find out why so many (probably including your competitors) have put EnviroPolitics at the top of their daily 'must read' list.

No charge. No obligation.Coming to your email for an entire month! Get it NOW.

EnviroPolitics FREE 30-Day Trial

Easy Credit Card Payments

Payment Options

Enviro-Events Calendar

We'll publicize your event for free

Great Events - Are You Going?

Great seminars, forums, webinars, educational, networking and social opportunities in NJ, PA, NY, DE -and beyond!